Asbestos

In the past, asbestos was not only used in buildings, but also in a wide variety of objects. Objects containing asbestos have in that way found their way into museum collections.

1. Asbestos | Asbestos is a natural mineral that can appear as chrysotile (Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), crocidolite (Na₂(Fe₂Mg)₃Fe₂Si₈O₂₂), amosite ((Fe₂+,Mg)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂), tremolite (Ca₂(Mg,Fe₂+)₅[OH|Si₄O₁₁]₂), actinolite (Ca₂(Fe₂+,Mg)₅[OH|Si₄O₁₁]₂), and anthophyllite ((Mg,Fe₂+)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂.).

For more information about abestos and heritage, please check this resource: https://ziterasbestin.be/ziterasbestin/

Belgium forbade the production of materials containing asbestos in 1998. A few years later a ban on the use of materials containing asbestos was also put in place. In the past, asbestos was not only used in buildings, but also in a wide variety of objects. Objects containing asbestos have in that way entered museum collections.

The War Heritage Institute also has objects containing asbestos, both in its storage facilities and on display in the museum in Brussels. Some of the objects containing asbestos are fire-resistant clothing, gasmasks, and clay pipes. With the health and safety of both employees and visitors in mind some of these objects were placed in specific display cases in 2019.

Loose asbestos fibres can penetrate deep into the lungs, and inhaling them can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of asbestos related illnesses typically only occur some 30 or 40 years after exposure. Factors such as repeated exposure to loose asbestos fibres, smoking and genetic sensibility increase the chance of asbestosis or other related illnesses.

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Heavy metals | Old pesticides  | Medical equipment  | Chemical warfare equipment  | Asbestos